Rodial Bee Venom Micro-Sting Patches
Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, made out of pure hyaluronic acid and bee venom. You get 2 patches in the pack. Can be used on Crow's feet, under the eyes, smile lines and frown lines. 350 micro-stings structure self-dissolves to directly target specific areas. Leave on for 60 minutes for better results. Pros: as much as I hate to say it, it does work. I have used these masks on my smile lines a few times and I really did see the results. Cons: where do I start? First, the packaging. Why do you need such a huge package for 2 tiny patches? But that's of course a matter of esthetics. Price is of course a big bummer. Like, Rodial, why are you so damn overpriced? Would recommend? Only if you have extra funds or a sugar daddy/mommy. Otherwise, at this price point, no.
Rodial Vit C Energising Face Mask Retailing at "only" €15 (by Rodial standards, it's called "free")
it promises instant rejuvenation, retexturising, and illumination. With Vitamins C (obviously) and B3, amino acids and hyaluronic acid. Leave on for 15min, then pat in the serum. Made in Korean by a British brand. See if you like it. However, a) we personally didn't feel significantly brightened (except, we may have become brighter intellectually); b) there are cheaper alternatives. So why pay more? Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are not exactly a rarity in skincare these days.
Rodial Dragon's Blood Cleansing Water (300ml- €38)
Please note, no dragons have been harmed in the production of this beauty product. Again, a pre-rant. We really don't understand why companies try to put in as many skincare benefiting ingredients into products like cleansing water or cleansing balm-- this is going to go down the drain in 10 seconds when you start using your water-based cleanser. I mean, we know why they do it-- obviously to increase the price and make it sound fancy. Please consider not wasting your money on makeup removers with extra added skincare benefits. It's pointless. It's like taking a gum and after making a first bite, throwing it in the trash can. Doesn't do anything! But if you must know, this cleansing water did slightly irritate our eyes (stinging effect) but did a not so bad job at removing eye makeup. Definitely better than the one from Benefit. But then, everything is better than the Benefit one.
Rodial Dragon's Blood Sculpting Gel (mini- €26)
According to Rodial, "this sculpting gel works by acting as a second skin film. This film forms around the face and helps to safeguard and minimise redness. This ensures that the skin looks volumised, supple and flexible. It is infused with Collageneer, which is a patented active ingredient that enhances collagen synthesis. This helps to tighten and firm up skin. It also works to increase high-quality collagen production, which helps to reduce wrinkles". According to reality, oh please. That paragraph you read above-- you can throw it out of the window. Yes, it is a gel. We can attest to that. But that's about it. It literally doesn't do anything. You know how other Rodial products at least do something, but are too expensive? Well, this is next level. It is expensive and doesn't firm nor hydrate nor plump. Oh, and 50ml of this product costs £85.
Rodial Snake Oxygenating & Cleansing Bubble Mask (8 masks for £48)
Surprisingly, for it being a Rodial product, we don't have anything bad to say about it. Yes, we are surprised as well. This is a deep cleansing charcoal sheet mask enriched with oxygen bubbles. Once you put it onto your face, the mask starts slowly developing a white film of mini bubbles, which is actually pretty cool. We don't think it is that cleansing, but our skin feels fresh and the whole experience is rather theatrical. We believe you don't need to buy the pack. Buy one, and see what you think.
Rodial Instaglam Compact Deluxe Highlighting Powder 01 Mini ($14)
The full size version of this product costs €60. However, we absolutely don't think you will need it. If you want to try it, the mini version will more than suffice. It is of a nice champagne-gold colour. Not super shiny, but is definitely buildable. Overall, we don't have anything bad to say about it. However, for that price, you can get SophX Highlighter palette with 8 colours in it (and it is amazing!)
Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Gel (€60)
Here we go again, another Rodial product. "Containing rose water, arnica, water, haloxyl and dragon’s blood, this gel helps to smooth out the fine lines beneath the eyes and plump up the skin. This sub-zero and de-puffing eye gel acts to cool and refresh even the most tired-looking eyes. Hyaluronic acid acts to hydrate and comfort the skin, while rose water works as a cooling agent. Haloxyl and arnica combine to lighten up darkened areas beneath the eyes and further reduce puffiness. The gel also contains dragon’s blood, a Lechleri tree extract, for added protection against environmental pollution". You don't need to buy this eye gel to achieve similar results. You can buy a product that is at least 25% cheaper, and it will perform very well.
Product review:
Rodial Bee Venom & Placenta 24 carat gold ultimate creme
Why ultimate? Because it will set you back a whopping $850, which is probably the ultimate betrayal of common sense. Result? You can tell people how crazy (?) you are for owning a cream that could feed you for 2-3 months straight. Light beige in colour, it comes in an impressive heavy container made out of thick plastic. It almost has a slightly "whipped" textural feel to it. Upon application, you really see the golden shine on your face. Supposed to be an anti-aging and anti-damage cream. Pros: bragging rights that would probably make you look insane in the eyes of others. It does moisturise. Does it give me a youthful boost as it claims? Probably. Cons: obviously the price. Would recommend? Well, it ain't a bad product, but no, I would not recommend it. The price point is just crazy. Go on a long holiday for that money instead. Skincare products this expensive are better be left for museums.
Product overview:
Rodial Soft Focus Glow Drops (31ml for £45)
This is a great product for people who don't wear foundation. It will really give you a nice soft glow from within. Except, the product description says the following: "Brightening the complexion and adding a gently shimmer, Soft Focus Glow Drops are the perfect illuminating base for makeup application. Containing antioxidant ingredients to deliver further skincare benefits, this rosy formula leaves the complexion looking healthy, dewy and glowing". Basically, even the lightest coverage foundation will eliminate that glow. So, don't waste your money if that's your plan. Use Iconic London. Obviously, this is a serum as well, just like the Farsali Unicorn essence (clearly, we see where Rodial took its inspiration from). But an antioxidant serum with shimmer for £45, oh please, give me a break.
Product review:
Rodial Vit C Brightening Mask (50ml for £65)
So....Rodial again, is it? Imagine a Rodial review without a rant. Yup, that's possible. I am also surprised, but even Rodial can surprise me from time to time. Rodial on the product: "Give skin the glow it deserves with a face mask that not only helps to reduce the signs of ageing but also illuminates tired, dull-looking skin with Rodial Vit C Brightening Mask. This lightweight gel mask leaves tired skin feeling instantly refreshed. Infused with 5% pure vitamin C and a blend of 10% exfoliating fruit AHAs, Rodial Vit C Brightening Mask works to make skin look effortlessly youthful and radiant. Using Rodial Vit C Brightening Mask will help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots, all while evening out skin tone and leaving skin with a healthy, natural-looking glow". Is this true? Well, ladies and gentlemen, yes. It sure is. (Applause). Yes, the price is steep for a mask, but it is worth every penny. Now I finally understand what "brightening" on the skin actually means. I will look into purchasing the full size for sure.
Product review:
Rodial Rose Gold Serum
Another Rodial review, which means that by now, you should know how it will go. I believe Rodial should rebrand themselves to "RipOff". Do you know how much the full size version of this serum costs? Like, 30ml? Yup, only £190 or around $250. For that price, I am expecting a mind blowing effect. Before we get into the reality, here is what Rodial says about it: "Reduce wrinkles and reverse the signs of ageing with the help of Rodial Rose Gold Serum. This anti-gravity serum is the perfect product for wrinkled and mature skin. Its lightweight and silky formula blends seamlessly into the skin and unleashes a potent blend of anti-ageing ingredients that help to revitalise, reshape and plump up the skin from deep within". The description goes on, but as Kanye West likes to say "Imma let you finish but..." We will not continue with their description. It is a milky serum with some shimmer particles. Sinks into the skin fast. But it is an average serum. Like, Paula's Choice performs better. So, no, don't go crazy and buy this expecting miracles.